Help laying network cables - crossover or straight through?

gsf600y · 2 Dec 2013 at 22:28

Right, I'm about to lay a network cable from my BT Home Hub 5 (which is gigabit) and my gigabit switch in the lounge.

I've got myself an RJ45 crimping tool, and some cat5e cable, and before I go crazy I need some advice.

I'm a bit confused as to whether I should be crossing over or not?
I've read some websites saying you don't need to with gigabit, but then others saying you still should.....?

I've bought some "external" network cable, which will go outside, into a conduit buried under some gravel, then back inside.
I was going to lay a single cable, all the way. Should I be putting a wall plate on anywhere instead? I don't think I need to bother.

Any other advice?

Minstadave · 2 Dec 2013 at 22:33

Patch cable, not crossover

bremen1874 · 2 Dec 2013 at 22:35

You don't need a crossover cable.

For a fixed cable, and assuming it's solid core, I'd terminate each end with a faceplate rather than crimping a plug on.

gsf600y · 2 Dec 2013 at 22:50

Thanks chaps

Steveocee · 3 Dec 2013 at 11:23

For the ease of it, I'd run 2 cables into the conduit. That way if you ever think 1 is buggered. You have a spare you can just crimp up and test with.

Minstadave · 3 Dec 2013 at 14:23

Steveocee said:
For the ease of it, I'd run 2 cables into the conduit. That way if you ever think 1 is buggered. You have a spare you can just crimp up and test with.

Always sensible

gsf600y · 3 Dec 2013 at 20:07

Yeah, good point, I'll do that

bledd · 4 Dec 2013 at 08:05

I'd run cat6 cable and buy some cat6 connectors.

Just to be future proof. The price difference is negligible.

bremen1874 · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:32

As you already have the cable I wouldn't worry about using Cat6. For Gigabit connections there'd be no benefit anyway.

bledd · 4 Dec 2013 at 10:49

Whilst that is right, if I was digging up the ground, I'd go the extra mile personally.